approving the fiscal cliff. the gop plan would cut $2.20 trillion. there is a combination of spending cuts, entitlement reform, and new revenue. to read the letter, go to our web site, c-span.org, and click on the link. the republicans say their proposal is based on a plan from a former chief of staff which is different from the plan offered from the simpson bolls commission. here is a look at how the recommendations from the simpson bolls commission -- simpson- bowles commission is being used. host: at the table now, paul simpson-bowles -- simpson- bowles first put out their plan. for dulles trillion in death as a reduction over 10 years. -- $4 trillion in deficit reduction over 10 years. when they put this out, what was the reaction? guest: republicans in congress were lukewarm to the plan. president obama praised the effort, and cautiously said nice things about the effort, but did not embrace it. host: bring us up to present day. two years have elapsed. the fiscal cliff is upon us. now we see the two lead of